Solar Power Structure

ABSTRACT

A standalone or partially standalone solar photovoltaic structure and methods for assembling the structure are described. The solar photovoltaic structure can employ a hinged photovoltaic roof deck that can be folded for transportation. Described are hinges that can be removed after assembly and act as protective elements to facilitate transportation. Also described is an attachment arrangement for joining purlin or frame members to vertical support columns by locking the frame numbers into column capitals.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/915,579 filed on Jun. 11, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/345,680 filed on Jan. 7, 2012, now issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,459 on Jul. 9, 2013, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/163,655 filed on Jun. 17, 2011, nowissued as a U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,479 issued on Feb. 5, 2013. The entirecontents of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/915,579, 13/163,655,and 13/345,680 are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to photovoltaic power generatingstructures. In particular, the disclosure relates to standalone orpartially standalone solar photovoltaic structures for commercial andresidential applications that might typically include carport, shade,porch, or canopy structures.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells utilized in the form of solar PV panelsand solar PV surfaces for converting sunlight into electricity arebecoming an increasingly popular source of clean and renewable energy inboth commercial and residential settings. Solar PV panels and solar PVsurfaces have been deployed directly on top of existing roof structures.They have also been deployed in standalone or partially supported solarPV structures, for example in commercial and residential carports orcovered patios, porches and walkways.

One challenge is to make an aesthetically pleasing standalone orpartially standalone solar PV structures that are easy and inexpensiveto transport and deploy. Another challenge is to minimize extraequipment needed for deployment. For example, depending on the specificinstallation requirements of the system, the installation contractoroften must provide cranes, ladders, or other lifting or placementequipment. An additional challenge is to make a system that is designedfor modular expansion. Addressing these challenges can help to encouragewide spread use of solar PV structures in both commercial andresidential settings and therefore the greater use of solar PV energy, arenewable energy resource. Aesthetically pleasing structures, forexample, allow solar PV energy to be installed in both commercial andresidential locations were appearance is important. Solar PV structuresthat are easy and economical to install and easy to transport lower theoverall costs of a solar PV installation and thus encourage the use ofsolar electric energy as an alternative to traditional non-renewablesources.

For the forgoing reasons, there is a need for a standalone or partiallystandalone solar PV structure, in commercial or residential settings,designed for modular expansion, that is easy to deployed, aestheticallypleasing, and minimizes the need for extra equipment to facilitate itsdeployment.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in simplified form thatare described the Description. The Summary is not intended to identifyessential features or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One aspect of the present disclosure describes a standalone or partiallystandalone solar PV structure, methods for assembling a solar PVstructure, and an apparatus to help facilitate deployment and assemblythe solar PV structure. One aspect of the disclosed solar PV structureincludes one or more solar PV roof deck assemblies that together formthe roof of the solar PV structure. The solar PV roof deck assembly canbe folded in half for transportation.

Part of the inventor's contribution, in an embodiment of the disclosure,is the discovery that it would be possible to help facilitatetransportation and assembly of a standalone or partially standalonesolar PV structures by providing a plurality of removable hinges wherethe hinges are configured to act as a protective elements duringtransportation and storage of the folded PV roof deck assembly.Optionally, one or more of the hinges can be configured to acceptlifting hooks to help facilitate assembly of the solar PV structure.

In an alternative embodiment, a solar PV structure includes two or morebeams, and two or more support column extending beneath the beams. Eachbeam includes an end portion with one or more pairs of hooks and tabsextending outward from the end portion of the beam. The top of eachcolumn is secured to a column capital. The column capital includes twoor more portions that include slots for receiving the hook/tabsextending from the beams. This arrangement can help to facilitatemodular expansion. For example, to expand the solar PV structure, anadditional pair of columns and column capitals can be secured in place.An additional pair of beams can be secured between the additional columncapital and their adjacent column capital of the solar PV structure.

Also disclosed is a solar PV structure that includes two or more beams,two or more support columns attached to and extending beneath the beams,and one or more PV roof decks. The roof decks each include two portionshinged together by a single central fold. The PV roof deck can beconfigured to unfolded by applying a force at the edges opposite thefold.

In one aspect, a method is described for assembling a solar PV structureusing a rigging apparatus that is part of the transportation carrier.The transportation carrier is configured to lift and upwardly unfold thesolar PV deck above the column and beam assembly by applying force atthe edges opposite the fold. In addition, a transportation carrier forcarrying out this method is described.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention, which is defined solely by the claims and their equivalents,will become better understood with regard to the following descriptionand accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled solar PV structure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a solar PV structure as in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the column capital,beam and column assembly as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective and partial cutaway view ofthe column capital as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of asolar PV structure including a portion of two beams, a portion of asupport column, a column capital, and an end support bracket.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an end portion of a beam of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternate end portion of a beam ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of an embodiment of a solar PV structure ofFIG. 1 with the column capital in a partial cutaway perspective view.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an end support bracket in accordancewith FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 illustrates complementary upward sloping and downward slopingend support brackets.

FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of an embodiment of a solar PV structurein perspective view showing portion of three beams and an end supportbracket coupled to a column capital.

FIG. 12 illustrates a frame assembly of the solar PV structure of FIG. 1modularly expanded with additional columns and beams.

FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of an embodiment of a solar PV structurewhere a capital column is coupled to four beams.

FIG. 14 illustrates a partial cutaway view of a portion of the PV solarenergy structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 illustrates an assembled solar PV structure as in FIG. 1 withtapered columns.

FIG. 16 illustrates an assembled solar PV structure as in FIG. 1 withalternative columns.

FIG. 16 illustrates a solar PV roof deck structure with protectivehinges folded for transportation in a shipping container.

FIG. 17 illustrates a plurality of solar PV roof deck structuresconfigured for transport in a transportation container.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the solar PV roof deckstructure of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the solar PV roof deck structure ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 20 illustrates a portion of the solar PV roof deck structure ofFIG. 17 in perspective view showing detail of a bottom hinge set.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded perspective view of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates a portion of the solar PV roof deck structure ofFIG. 17 in perspective view showing detail of an alternative bottomhinge set.

FIG. 23 illustrates a portion of the solar PV roof deck structure ofFIG. 17 in exploded perspective view showing detail of a top hinge set.

FIG. 24 illustrates a portion of the solar PV roof deck structure ofFIG. 22 in perspective view showing detail of a top hinge set.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exploded view of the hinge set of FIG. 17.

FIG. 26 illustrates an alternate exploded view of the hinge set of FIG.17.

FIG. 27 illustrates a process for assembling a frame assembly of a solarPV structure.

FIG. 28 illustrates in perspective view a frame assembly of a solar PVstructure.

FIG. 29 illustrates a process for assembling a solar PV structure.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a solar PV roof deck structurein a folded position lifted by a crane hook.

FIG. 31 illustrates a side view of a solar PV roof deck structure in afolded position lifted by a crane hook.

FIG. 32 illustrates in perspective view the frame assembly of FIG. 28engaged with a solar PV deck structure in a folded position.

FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of a solar PV roof deck structurein a partially unfolded position lifted by a crane hook.

FIG. 34 illustrates a side view of a solar PV roof deck structure in apartially unfolded position lifted by a crane hook.

FIG. 35 illustrates in perspective view the frame assembly of FIG. 28engaged with a solar PV deck structure in a partially unfolded andpartially attached position.

FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of a solar PV roof deck structurein an unfolded position lifted by a crane hook.

FIG. 37 illustrates a side view of a solar PV roof deck structure in anunfolded position lifted by a crane hook.

FIG. 38 illustrates in perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 28engaged with a solar PV deck structure in an unfolded position.

FIG. 39 illustrates in perspective view the frame assembly of FIG. 28engaged with a solar PV deck structure in an unfolded position and withthe hinges removed.

FIG. 40 illustrates a flow chart for an alternative assembly process ofa solar PV structure.

FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a solar PVstructure that can be assembled in accordance with FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 illustrates a solar PV roof deck structure in a transportationcarrier in accordance the assembly process of FIG. 40.

FIG. 43 illustrates an aspect of the assembly process of FIG. 40 wherethe transportation carrier is used to lift and unfold the solar PV roofdeck structure.

FIG. 44 illustrates a detailed perspective view of a portion of anembodiment of a support column.

FIG. 45 illustrates a portion of a support column with a lowerattachment arrangement.

FIG. 46 illustrates an aspect of the assembly process of FIG. 40 wherethe solar PV roof deck structure is raised into an unfolded position.

FIG. 47 illustrates a portion of a frame column assembly in perspectiveview in accordance with the process of FIG. 40.

FIG. 48 illustrates an alternate perspective view of FIG. 47 with apartial cutaway on an upper support column portion.

FIG. 49 illustrates an aspect of the assembly process of FIG. 40 wherethe transportation carrier is removed from the assembled solar PVstructure.

FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of a transportation carrier inposition for transport of a solar PV roof deck.

FIG. 51 illustrates a perspective view of the transportation carrier ofFIG. 50 positioned for assembly of a solar PV structure.

FIG. 52 illustrates using the transportation carrier of FIG. 50 in adeployment position FIG. 1.

FIG. 53 illustrates frame sub-assemblies configured for installation ofa solar PV roof deck using a transportation carrier.

DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals indicatelike elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates anexemplary embodiment of a solar PV structure 10. FIG. 2 illustrates anexploded view of a solar PV structure 10 as in FIG. 1. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the solar panel PV assembly includes a solar PV roof deck12. Referring to FIG. 2, the solar PV roof deck 12 includes solar PVsurfaces 14 and a PV surface support frame 16 for hold the solar PVsurface. As used in this disclosure, a solar PV surface is a broad termused to mean a collection of solar PV cells assembled in a planarsurface. A solar PV surface can include what is known in the art as asolar PV panels or solar PV module, but can also include flexible thinfilm PV modules or sheets, rigid thin film PV modules or sheets.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the solar PV roof deck 12 can besupported by a plurality of approximately vertical support columns.Illustrated are a first support column 18, a second support column 20, athird support column 22, and a fourth support column 24. The supportcolumns can be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. Alternatively,the support columns can be made of fiberglass, or can be metal core witha of tertiary cladding. While four vertical support columns are shown,this number is exemplary, and additional pairs of support columns can beadded to expand the structure beyond what is shown in FIG. 1.

The base of each support column can include a base plate. Referring toFIG. 2, the first support column 18 includes a base plate 26. The baseplate includes one or more apertures that are disposed to receive athreaded fastener 28 and seat a nut 30. The nut 30 is disposed to engageand hold the threaded fastener 28. Illustrated are three of the threadedfasteners 28 with a nut 30 corresponding to each of the threadedfasteners 28. A fourth threaded fastener and fourth corresponding nuthidden behind the first support column 18. This number of threadedfasteners and nuts are exemplary and other numbers of fasteners arepossible.

The threaded fastener 28 is engaged by a concrete footer 32. Theconcrete footer 32 can be either pre-cast or cast in place. The threadedfastener 28 can be of the type that is cast into the footer such as acolumn anchor, J-bolt, L-bolt, pigtail anchor. These anchor types canallow for the possibility for disassembly of solar PV structure 10 andremoval of the support columns for the concrete footers, for example,the first support column 18 from the concrete footer 32. While thethreaded fastener 28 is illustrated engaged by a nut 30, a threadedfastener that does not require a nut to engage it to the concrete canalternatively be used. In addition, the threaded fastener can be anon-removable type such as a cast in-place post-tensionable anchorsystem or can be of the type that is secured by drilling into theconcrete, rather than cast in place such as a spin-lock anchor, undercutanchor or sledge drive anchor.

Illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are column covers for covering columnbases. The first support column 18 is coupled to a first base cover 34,the second support column 20 is coupled to a second base cover 36, thethird support column 22 is coupled to a third base cover 38, and thefourth support column 24 is coupled to a fourth base cover 39.

The top of each illustrated support column of FIGS. 1 and 2 is coupledto a corresponding column capital, also known as a column crown. Thefirst support column 18 is coupled to a first column capital 40, thesecond support column 20 is coupled to second column capital 42, thethird support column 22 is coupled to a third column capital 44, and thefourth support column 24 is coupled to a fourth column capital 46.

Each column capital is coupled to a pair of beams using a hook, tab, andslot arrangement that will be described. Illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2are a first beam 48, a second beam 50, a third beam 52, and a fourthbeam 54. The first column capital 40 is coupled to the first beam 48 andthe fourth beam 54. The second column capital 42 is coupled to the firstbeam 48 and the second beam 50. The third column capital 44 is coupledto the second beam 50 and the third beam 52. The fourth column capital46 is coupled to the third beam 52 and the fourth beam 54.

The solar PV structure 10 can be configured so that the solar PV roofdeck 12 is positioned horizontally. In the northern hemisphere, thesolar PV roof deck 12 can optionally be sloped at a downward angletoward the south to help optimize solar energy falling on the solar PVroof deck 12 surface. Likewise, in the southern hemisphere, the solar PVroof deck 12 can be sloped at a downward angle toward the north. Thesolar PV structure 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 as downwardsloping. The solar PV structure 10 is not limited to a slopedarrangement of the solar PV roof deck 12 and can accommodate eithersloped or horizontal arrangements.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the first support column18 and the fourth support column 24 are approximately equal in length toeach other and form a first pair of support columns. The second supportcolumn 20 and the third support column are approximately equal in lengthto each other and form a second pair of support columns. In one aspect,the first pair of support columns and the second pair of support columnscan be unequal in length and the solar PV roof deck 12 slopes toward thepair of support columns shorter in height. For example, if the firstsupport column 18 and fourth support column 24 where shorter in heightthan the second support column 20 and the third support column 22, thenthe solar PV roof deck 12 would slope toward the first support column 18and the fourth support column 24.

Alternatively, the first support column 18, the second support column20, the third support column 22, and the fourth support column 24 can beof equal heights. In this aspect, the slope can be determined settingthe concrete footers of each pair of support columns at unequal depths,but with equal depths within each pair. In this aspect, the solar PVroof deck 12 would slope toward the pair of support columns with moredeeply buried footers. For example, if the first support column 18 andfourth support column 24 where coupled to associated footers buried moredeeply than footers coupled to the second support column 20 and thethird support column 22, then the solar PV roof deck 12 would slopetoward the first support column 18 and the fourth support column 24.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the column capitals are adapted toreceive end support brackets. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the firstcolumn capital 40 is coupled to a first end support bracket 56, thesecond column capital 42 is coupled to a second end support bracket 58,and the fourth column capital 46 is coupled to a fourth end supportbracket 62. Referring to FIG. 2, the third column capital 44 is coupledto a third end support bracket.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the solar PVstructure 10 that includes the first column capital 40, the secondcolumn capital 42, the first end support bracket 56, the second endsupport bracket 58, the first beam 48, a portion of the second beam 50,a portion of the fourth beam 54, a portion of the first support column18, and a portion of the second support column 20. As illustrated, thefirst end support bracket 56 is associated with the first column capital40. One end of the first beam 48 is associated with the first columncapital 40 and the opposing end of the first beam 48 is associated withthe second column capital 42. One end of the fourth beam 54 isassociated with the first column capital 40. One end of the second beam50 is associated with the second column capital 42.

The column capitals of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 includes guide portions forengaging either beams or end support brackets at approximately 90-degreeangles. FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of a column capital 64, thisbeing representative of the column capitals of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.Referring to FIG. 4, the column capital includes guide portions 66. Theguide portion has two portions, each portion forming a planar surfacethat form an approximately a 90-degree angle with respect to the otherportion. The guide portion can be formed by bending, pressing orstamping steel, aluminum or other metal into a right angle shape.Alternatively, the guide portion can be cast or extruded and cut. In theillustrated embodiment, there are four guide portions.

The column capital includes a central portion 68 and a base 70. In theillustrated embodiment, the central portion 68 is a hollow rectangularmetal tube. The rectangular metal tube can be formed from rolled steel,or can be made of aluminum. The guide portions are positioned withrespect to each other in order to form four channels. In the illustratedembodiment, the inside vertex of each guide portion is attached a cornerof the central portion by welding. Alternatively, the guide portions canbe joined to the central portion by a fastener such as a threadedfastener or a rivet. In an alternative embodiment, the column capitalcan be partially extruded with the central portion 68 and guide portionsformed together as a single piece with the central portion 68 extendingto the top and bottom of the top and bottom of the guide portions.

The central portion includes a plurality of slotted apertures 72 on eachface of the central portion 68. The slotted apertures 72 are sized toreceive and couple with a hook and tab arrangement from a beam end or anend support bracket. Illustrated are four slotted apertures 72, arrangednew the edges of the central portion 68 face.

The column capital includes a base 70. In the illustrated embodiment,the base 70 is attached to the guide portions 66 by welding oralternatively by threaded fasteners or rivets. Illustrated is a supportcolumn 74, the support column 74 being representative of the columnsillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The base 70 can coupled to the supportcolumn 74 by welding. The base portion can include an aperture 75 forrouting electrical wires into the support column 74

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a portion of thesolar PV structure 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates the first columncapital 40, the first end support bracket 56, as well as portions of thefirst beam 48, fourth beam 54, and first support column 18, illustratedwith associated coupling relationships. The first beam 48, fourth beam54, and the first end support bracket 56 include an upper hook 76 andlower tab 77 forming a first hook/tab pair 78, an upper tab 80 and lowerhook 82 forming a second hook/tab pair 84.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate alternative beam end portions in perspectiveview. Referring to FIG. 6, in the illustrated view of the fourth beam54, the upper hook 76 and lower tab 77 of the end portion are disposednear the right-hand edge 86 of the fourth beam 54 face. The upper tab 80and lower hook 82 of the end portion are disposed near the left-handedge 88 of the fourth beam 54 face. The fourth beam 54 is representativeof the hook and tab arrangement of the beams of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5.However, the hook and tab arrangement is not limited to the abovedescribed arrangement.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative hook and tab arrangement. In theillustrated view, a beam 90 includes an upper tab 94 and a lower hook 96disposed near the right-hand edge 98 of the beam face 99. An upper hook100 and lower tab 102 are disposed near the left-hand edge 104 of thebeam face 99. This is a complementary arrangement to the hook and tabarrangement of FIG. 6. In both FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, hooks and tabs arearranged so that tabs are 90-degrees adjacent to hooks so that they donot interfere.

FIG. 8 illustrates a column capital 110, and portions of a first beam112, a second beam 114, and a support column 116. The column capital 110is similarly constructed as the column capitals illustrated in FIGS. 1,2, 3, and 4. The first beam 112 and the second beam 114 have a similarhook and tab arrangement as illustrated in the beam 90 of FIG. 7. Thecolumn capital 110 is shown in partial cutaway view illustrating two ofthe interior faces of a central portion 118. The central portion 118includes one or more apertures 119 that can be used to route electricalwiring. The central portion 118 also includes a plurality of slottedapertures through each face. The slotted apertures are sized andpositioned to receive tabs and hooks from beams or from end supportbrackets. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first slottedaperture 120 receives an upper tab 122 from the first beam 112. A secondslotted aperture 124 receives a lower hook 126. A third slotted aperture128 receives an upper hook 130. A fourth slotted aperture 132 receives alower tab 134. The first slotted aperture 120, the second slottedaperture 124, the third slotted aperture 128, and the fourth slottedaperture 132 are sized and positioned so that once the tabs and hooksare received, the lower hook 126 and the upper hook 130 lock into placeby sliding down the second slotted aperture 124, and the third slottedaperture 128 respectively and engage the portion of central portionbelow the respective slots.

While several hook and tab arrangements have been described, the slotarrangement of FIG. 8, as illustrated can be configured to accommodateboth disclosed hook and tab arrangements.

FIG. 9 illustrates an end support bracket 136. The end support bracketis similarly constructed as the end support brackets illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5. In FIG. 9, the end support bracket includes ahook/tab arrangement 138 with the hooks and tabs positioned opposite orthe complement of the first hook/tab pair 78 of the first end supportbracket 56 of FIG. 5. The illustrated bracket includes an upper bracketportion 140 and a lower bracket portion 142. The upper bracket portionincludes a bracket end portion 144. The bracket end portion 144 caninclude one or more round apertures 146. The bracket end portion 144 canbe shaped, as illustrated, with a downward projecting portion to engagea frame of a solar PV roof deck structure, such as the solar PV roofdeck 12 of FIG. 1. The apertures can be disposed to receive threadedfasteners in order to secure the solar PV roof deck structure to thebracket end portion 144. In addition, the bracket end portion 144 caninclude an aperture 147 for receiving and routing electrical wiring.

The end support brackets can be installed to accommodate sloping solarPV structure, such as the solar PV structure 10 of FIG. 1 or non-slopinghorizontal structures. In order to accommodate sloping structures,upward sloping and downward sloping brackets can be installed onopposing column capitals.

For example, in FIG. 1, the first end support bracket 56 is downwardsloping and the second end support bracket 58 is upward sloping. Boththe first end support bracket 56 and the second end support bracket 58engage and secure the solar PV roof deck 12. At the same time, the solarPV roof deck structure slopes approximately parallel to the slope offirst beam 48.

FIG. 10 illustrates an upward sloping end support bracket 148 and adownward sloping end support bracket 150. In the embodiment of FIG. 10,for a solar PV roof deck structure sloped at an angle of X degreescompared to the horizontal plane 152, the upper portion 154 of thedownward sloping end support bracket 150 is sloped at an angle of 90−Xdegrees compared to the vertical plane 156. The upper portion 158 of theupward sloping end support bracket 148 is sloped at an angle of 90+Xdegrees compared to the vertical plane 156. The upper portion 158 of theupward sloping end support bracket 148 and the upper portion 154 of thedownward sloping end support bracket 150 slope at supplementary angleswith respect to the vertical plane 156.

For example, for a solar PV deck structure sloped at a 10 degrees to thehorizontal plane 152, the upper portion 158 the upward sloping endsupport bracket 148 would be sloped at 100 degrees compared with thevertical plane 156. The upper portion 154 of the downward sloping endsupport bracket 150 would be sloped at 80 degrees compared with thevertical plane. In an alternative example, a solar PV deck structurethat is not sloped, that is, at 0 degrees to the horizon, both theupward sloping bracket and downward sloping bracket would be the samewith their upper portions sloped at 90 degrees to the horizon. Theexamples in this paragraph are meant to be illustrative and should notbe interpreted as limiting.

As discussed earlier in this disclosure, the solar PV structure 10 isnot limited to four columns and a single roof deck. The design of thedisclosed column capitals allows for modular expansion of the structure.FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a frame of the solar PV structure 10 of FIG.1 expanded with two additional beam and columns to accommodate anadditional solar PV roof deck structure. The illustrated structure hasapproximately double the horizontal surface area as the solar PVstructure 10 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first columncapital 40 is coupled to a fifth beam 162 in addition to being coupledto the first beam 48, the fourth beam 54 and the first end supportbracket 56.

Referring to FIG. 12, the fifth beam 162 is coupled to a fifth columncapital 164. The fifth column capital 164 is also coupled to a fifth endsupport bracket 166, a fifth column 168, and a sixth beam 170. Thesecond column capital 42 is coupled to a seventh beam 172. The seventhbeam 172 is coupled to a sixth column capital 174. The sixth columncapital 174 is coupled to a sixth end support bracket 176 and a sixthcolumn 178.

The solar PV structure 10 can be expanded in the same linear directionby adding additional beams, columns, and column capitals as described inthe preceding paragraph. In addition, the solar PV structure 10 can beexpanded orthogonally by removing the first end support bracket 56,fourth end support bracket 62, and fifth end support bracket 166 andcoupling additional beams in the first column capital 40, fourth columncapital 46, and fifth column capital 164 in place of the correspondingend support brackets.

Referring to FIG. 13, the first column capital 40 is coupled to aneighth beam 180 in addition to the first beam 48, the fourth beam 54,and the fifth beam 162. By adding additional column capitals, and toeach column capital coupling a support column, two to four beams, or upto three beams in combination with an end support bracket, the solar PVstructure can be extended to nearly an unlimited under sections.

FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of the solar PV structure 10 in partialcutaway. One or more solar PV surfaces 182 are depicted as partiallytransparent revealing the detailed structure beneath them. The solar PVsurfaces 182 can be transparent, partially transparent, translucent, oropaque. As depicted in FIG. 14, the solar PV roof deck can include aframe structure formed from hollow steel tubes or channels or aluminumtubes or channels. Depicted is a first hollow channel 184. The hollowchannel or strut track is approximately u-shaped with an inward lipforming a base portion. The first hollow channel 184 couples to thebracket end portion 188. Wires from the solar PV surfaces 182 can berouted from an aperture 186 on a bracket end portion 188. The wires canbe routed through a support bracket 190 through an aperture 192 on acentral portion 194 of the column capital 196. The wires can be routedthrough the bottom of a column 198 through an aperture 200 in a columnbase 202. The column 198 is shown in cut away as hollow. In addition thebeams can be hollow and configured to route wires from the solar PVsurfaces 182 hidden from view. A hollow beam structure comprised of twosteel tubes is depicted in the cutaway view of a beam coupled to thecolumn capital 196.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate embodiments of the solar PV structure 10 withalternative column styles in order to suite different aestheticrequirements. Referring to FIG. 15, the solar PV structure 10alternatively can include a first tapered support column 210 coupled toa first base cover 211, a second tapered support column 212 coupled to asecond base cover 214, a third tapered support column 216 coupled to athird base cover 218, and a fourth tapered support column 220 coupled toa fourth base cover 222.

The support columns of FIGS. 1, 15, and 16 exemplify different supportcolumn styles. It is the inventor's intent not to limit support columnstyles to the exemplary embodiments.

The solar PV structure 10 can include other alternatively shaped supportcolumns, for example as in FIG. 16. Referring to FIG. 16, the solar PVstructure 10 can include a first alternative column 224 coupled to afirst alternative base cover 226, a second alternative column 228coupled to a second alternative base cover 230, a third alternativecolumn 232 coupled to a third alternative base cover 234, and a fourthalternative column 236 coupled to a fourth alternative base cover 238.

FIG. 17 illustrates several solar PV roof deck structures configured fortransportation in a transportation container such as an intermodalshipping container used for freight transportation in a ship, train, orattached to a tractor-trailer truck. A solar PV roof deck 240 is foldedin half and stored vertically in a transportation container 242. Aplurality of lower hinges 244 and a plurality of upper hinges 246 areremovably attached to the solar PV roof deck 240. The lower hinges 244and the upper hinges 246 secure the solar PV roof deck 240 in a fold andsecured position. In addition, the lower hinges 244 and the upper hinges246 are configured as protective elements for transportation.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of one of the solar PV roof deck240 of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the solar PV roofdeck 240 of FIG. 18. Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the solar PV roofdeck 240 illustrated includes a first panel section 248 and a secondpanel section 250. The two panels are secured by the plurality of lowerhinges 244 and the plurality of upper hinges 246. The panels areassembled so that one or more solar PV panels or more generally, one ormore solar PV surfaces 252 are on the inside of the fold. Illustratedare eight of the solar PV surfaces 252 attached to the first panelsection 248. This number is exemplary; any number of panels can be usedto suit structural, electrical, and aesthetic requirements.

The hinges, in combination, can form a protective shipping frame for thesolar PV roof deck 240. The plurality of lower hinges 244 and pluralityof upper hinges 246 are shown separating the inner portion of the firstpanel section 248 and second panel section 250. Since the solar PVsurfaces 252 are facing inward, this helps to isolate the solar PVsurfaces 252 on opposing faces. In one embodiment, the hinges can beevenly distributed along the length of the solar PV roof deck 240 or canbe placed at predetermined locations. In addition, each side of thehinges can be offset and be rectangular shaped, as illustrated. Thisisolates the solar PV roof deck 240 when placed vertically next to othersimilar solar PV deck structures, for example, as illustrated in FIG.17.

FIG. 20 illustrates a detailed perspective view of a lower portion ofthe solar PV roof deck 240 showing details of one of the lower hinges244. The first panel section 248 and the second panel section 250 of thesolar PV roof deck 240 is shown in partial cutaway view. The partialcutaway view extends from one vertical end of the frame of the solar PVdeck. Illustrated is a protective hinge cover 254. The protective hingecover 254 is optional. The protective hinge cover 254 is illustratedwith a flat bottom face and curved bottom edges, however, the protectivehinge cover 254 can also be rectangular shaped. The upper surface of theprotective hinge cover 254 can be shaped to further protect or engagethe lower hinge 244. The protective hinge cover 254 can include au-shaped channel on its top face to partially surround the lower hinge244. In addition, the protective hinge cover 254 can include a cutawayportion to accommodate a hinge pivot pin 256. The protective hinge cover254 can provide additional abrasion protection and/or shock absorptionbetween frame of the solar PV roof deck 240 and its resting surface. Inaddition, it can provide additional shock absorption and spacing betweentwo or more of the solar PV roof deck 240 that are verticallytransported or stored.

FIG. 21 shows a partial exploded view of FIG. 20 with the first panelsection 248 and the second panel section 250 including the protectivehinge cover 254. The protective hinge cover 254 is optional. Referringto FIG. 21 the lower hinge 244 of FIG. 20 is separable into hingeportions 258. The hinge portions 258 are joined in-line by the hingepivot pin 256 through an aperture 260 near the inside facing edge ofeach hinge portion 258. The hinge pivot pin 256 extends through eachaperture 260. Referring to FIG. 20, the hinge pivot pin 256 can be heldinto place by a holding pin 261. A plurality of holding pins 261 canextend through the diameter of each end the hinge pivot pin 256.Alternatively, one or more holding pins 261 can extend through theaperture 260 near the inside facing edge of hinge portion and into thehinge pivot pin 256.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the first panel section 248 includes aframe section 262. The frame section 262, as illustrated, is u-shapedand hollow. The closed portion of the u-shape faces inward when thepanels are in the folded position or downward when the panels are in theopen position and lies in approximately the same plane as the solar PVsurfaces 252. The frame section 262 is shown with an inward facing lipportion 264 at the bottom of the u-shape. The hinge portion 258 is heldto the frame by a threaded fastener 266. The threaded fastener 266 isseated on the top of the hinge portion 258, captured, and secured to anut 268 that is held to frame section 262 by the inward facing lipportion 264. An alignment pin 270 helps to align the hinge portion 258into the frame section 262 and prevent rotation.

FIG. 22 illustrates the portion of the solar PV roof deck 240 of FIG. 20without a protective cover portion. The rectangular u-shape of the hingeitself with a approximately flat bottom and a flat sides acts asprotective frame element by allowing the solar PV deck structure bottomsurface flat on a horizontal surface and have vertical separations ofthe frame elements of different solar PV deck structures stored andshipped together, as for example, illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 illustrates a detailed perspective and partially exploded viewof an upper portion of the solar PV roof deck 240 showing details of oneof the upper hinges 246. The first panel section 248 and the secondpanel section 250 of the solar PV roof deck 240 are shown in partialcutaway view. The partial cutaway view extends from one vertical end ofthe frame of the solar PV deck.

FIG. 24 shows an assembled view of FIG. 23 with the first panel section248 and the second panel section 250. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24 theupper hinge 246 is separable into hinge portions 290. The hinge portions290 are joined in-line by the hinge pivot pin 292 through an aperture294 near the inside facing edge of each hinge portion 290. The hingepivot pin 292 extends through each aperture 294. The hinge pivot pin 292can be held into place by a holding pin 296. A plurality of holding pins296 can extend through the diameter of each end the hinge pivot pin 292.Alternatively, one or more holding pins 296 can extend through theaperture 294 near the inside facing edge of hinge portion and into thehinge pivot pin 292.

The first panel section 248 includes a frame section 298. The framesection 298 can be u-shaped and hollow, as illustrated. The closedportion of the u-shape faces inward and it lies in approximately thesame plane as the solar PV surfaces 252. The frame section 298 is shownwith an inward facing lip portion 300 at the bottom of the u-shape. Thehinge portion 290 is held to the frame by a threaded fastener 302. Thethreaded fastener 302 is seated on the outside surface of the hingeportion 290, captured, and secured to a strut track nut 304 that is heldto frame section 298 by the inward facing lip portion 300. An alignmentpin 306 helps to align the hinge portion 290 into the frame section 298and prevent withdrawal.

A threaded lift hook 308 is secured to the outside surface of the hingeportion 290. Referring to FIG. 23, the threaded lift hook can be securedto the outside surface of the hinge portion 290 through a threadedaperture 310.

FIG. 25 illustrates and exploded perspective view of a hinge set thatcan be used in accordance FIG. 17. The hinge set is viewed as if lookingaway from the solar PV roof deck. For simplicity of assembly andmanufacture, the same hinge portion design can be used for hingeportions 258 of the lower hinge 244 of FIGS. 20 and 21 and the hingeportion 290 for the upper hinge 246 of FIGS. 23 and 24. Referring toFIG. 25, illustrated is a hinge set 319 with a hinge portion 320 thatcan be used to construct either an upper hinge or a lower hinge. Thehinge portion 320 includes a threaded aperture 326 for receiving andsecuring a lift hook 328. The hinge portion also includes apertures 330for receiving and seating one or more threaded fasteners 332. Thethreaded fasteners 332 secure the hinge portion 320 to a solar PV deckframe as previously described. The hinge portion 320 includes analignment pin 334 similar to the alignment pin 306 of FIG. 23 and thealignment pin 270 of FIG. 21. The hinge portion 320 includes an aperture336 for receiving a hinge pivot pin 338. Both the aperture 336 and hingepivot pin 338 are structured in a similar manner as described for thecorresponding apertures and hinge pivot pins of FIGS. 21 and 23.

FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative view of the hinge set 319 of FIG. 25.The hinge set 319 is viewed as looking toward a solar PV roof deck. Thehinge set is created from the hinge portions 320. Illustrated is thethreaded aperture 326 for receiving and securing the lift hook 328 ofFIG. 25, apertures 330 for receiving and seating the threaded fasteners332, the threaded fasteners 332, the aperture 336 for receiving a hingepivot pin 338, and the hinge pivot pin 338.

FIG. 27 is flow chart illustrating one method for assembling the frameof the solar PV structure 10 of FIG. 1. The assembled frame 348 isillustrated in FIG. 28. The process may be better understood byreferring back to previously described figures as indicated and to theparagraphs describing those figures.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 27, in the first step 350, the first supportcolumn 18, the second support column 20, the third support column 22 andthe fourth support column 24 are secured in place. The columns can befastened to a concrete footer, as described previously within thisdisclosure. The column capitals are attached to the support columns aspreviously described. The column capitals can be attached to the columnsat the job site. Alternatively, the column capitals can be preassembledand transported to the job.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 27, and 28, in the second step 352, each beam issecured to their respective column capitals. The beams can be secured tothe column capitals by using a hook, tab, and slot arrangement describedpreviously. Referring to FIG. 5, the first beam 48 can be secured to thefirst column capital 40 by aligning the upper hook 76, lower tab 77,upper tab 80, and lower hook 82 with the corresponding slots within thecolumn capital and then securing the upper hook 76 and lower hook 82 tothe corresponding slots as previously described. Referring to FIG. 28,the beam end of the first beam 48 opposite to the first column capital40 is secured to the second column capital 42 by aligning the hooks andtabs with the slots and then securing the hooks to the slots in asimilar manner. The process is repeated for the securing the second beam50, the third beam 52, and the fourth beam 54 to their correspondingcolumn capitals.

Referring to FIG. 27, in the third step 354, the end support bracketsare secured to their corresponding column capital. Each end supportbracket can be secured by aligning the hooks and tabs of the end supportbracket with the corresponding slots in the column capital and securingthe hooks to the slots as previously disclosed.

FIG. 29 illustrates a process for assembling the solar PV roof deck 240of FIG. 17 to the assembled frame 348 of FIG. 28. Referring to FIG. 29,in the first step 356, the solar PV roof deck 240 of FIG. 17, is liftedby a crane or hoist in a folded position using lift hooks attached tothe upper hinges. Alternatively, the apertures 294 of the hinge portions290 of FIG. 23 can be used instead of the lift hooks. Referring to FIG.30, the solar PV roof deck 240 is lifted using the apertures 294. Theapertures 294 can be attached by a cable 358 to a lift beam 360 and abeam tied lift hook 362. Alternatively, the threaded lift hooks 308 ofFIG. 23, can be secured to the cable 358 and used to lift the solar PVrook deck. The solar PV roof deck is held secure in a folded position bythe lower hinges 244 and the upper hinges 246.

FIG. 31 illustrates a side view of FIG. 29 showing the solar PV roofdeck 240, the lower hinges 244, the upper hinges 246, the aperture 294,the cable 358, the lift beam 360, and the beam tied lift hook 362.

FIG. 32 illustrates the solar PV roof deck 240, in a folded position,secured by lower hinges 244 and upper hinges 246 being placed onassembled frame 348, approximately centered between the non-slopingbeams, the second beam 50, and the fourth beam 54. Alternatively, thesolar PV roof deck 240, in a folded position, can be positionedapproximately centered between the sloping beams, the first beam 48 andthe third beam 52.

Referring to FIG. 29, in the second step 364, the solar PV roof deck ispartially unfolded in place. Referring to FIG. 33 the solar PV roof deck240 is partially unfolded in place by removing the hinge pivot pins 292of FIGS. 23 and 24 from the upper hinges 246. FIGS. 33 and 34 shows theresulting partially unfolded state of the solar PV roof deck 240connected from the aperture 294 or alternatively from the threaded lifthooks 308 of FIG. 23, to the cables 358, the lift beam 360, and the beamtied lift hook 362. The solar PV roof deck 240 unfolds along the lowerhinges 244.

FIG. 35 shows the solar PV roof deck 240, partially unfolded andpartially attached using a registration tab 365 and an alignment pin 367onto the assembled frame 348. The registration tab 365 and alignment pin367 together form a registration tab/alignment pin pair. In thepartially on folded position, one of the panel sections can be laid torest and secured on the top surface of the assembled frame 348.Illustrated is the second panel section 250 resting on the assembledframe 348. Because the solar PV surfaces 252 on opposing faces of thesolar PV roof deck 240 are facing inward in when the solar PV roof deck240 is in the folded position, the panels are on the upper surface ofthe solar PV roof deck 240 in the unfolded position.

Referring to FIG. 29, in the third step 366, the solar PV roof deckstructure is fully unfolded and placed to rest on the assembled frame348 of FIG. 28. Referring to FIGS. 36, 37, and 38, the solar PV roofdeck 240 is fully unfolded along the lower hinges 244. Referring to FIG.38, the solar PV roof deck 240 is place to rest fully on the assembledframe 348. The cables 358, the lift beam 360, and the beam tied lifthook 362 of FIG. 36 are removed from the upper hinges 246 once the solarPV roof deck 240 is in place on the assembled frame 348.

Referring to FIG. 29, in the fourth step 368, the remaining hingesremoved and the solar PV roof deck structure is secured to the assembledframe. Referring to FIG. 39, the lower hinges 244 and the upper hinges246 of FIG. 38 are removed from the solar PV roof deck 240. The solar PVroof deck 240 is secured to the corresponding beams and end supportbrackets. For example, in FIG. 39, the first panel section 248 issecured to the first beam 48, the second beam 50, the third beam 52, thesecond end support bracket 58, and the third end support bracket 60. Thesecond panel section 250 is secured to the first beam 48, the third beam52, the fourth beam 54, the first end support bracket 56, and the fourthend support bracket 62. This arrangement is exemplary. Securing of panelsections and to corresponding beams and support brackets will depend onthe arrangement of the panel sections in relation to the beams andsupport brackets.

The solar panel roof structure can be made leak resistant by placing awater resistant seal between the first panel section 248 and the secondpanel section 250 before securing the panel sections. For example, agasket strip, made of an elastomeric material, such as butyl rubber,silicone, or polychloroprene, can be placed along the facing edges ofthe first panel section and the section panel section. Those skilled inthe art will readily recognize other suitable gasket material. Thegasket strip can be an adhesive strip to assist in installationAlternatively water-resistant or waterproof flexible caulking, such assilicon caulking material can be applied after installation.

FIG. 40 illustrates a process of assembling a solar PV structure using atransportation carrier as an assembly device. FIG. 41 illustrates asolar PV structure 400 that can be assembled using the process of FIG.40. Referring to FIG. 41, the solar PV structure 400 includes aplurality of support columns 402, two or more beams 404, a solar PV roofdeck 406, and a plurality of solar PV panels or more generally, solar PVsurfaces 408 attached to the solar PV roof deck 406.

Referring to FIG. 40, in the first step 409, the solar PV roof deck 406arrives to the job site in a wheeled transportation carrier 410 and atthe location where the solar PV structure to be assembled. Referring toFIG. 42, the wheeled transportation carrier 410 can be wheeled by handor optionally pulled behind a vehicle. The transportation carrier isshown placed between concrete footers 412. The footers can be pre-castor cast in place. The solar PV roof deck 406 is shown folded in half fortransportation and can be similar in structure to the solar PV roof deck240 of FIG. 17. For example, the solar PV roof deck 406 can be securedand protected for transportation using lower hinges 413 and upper hinges416. Lower hinges 413 and upper hinges 416 can have either have the sameor a similar structure to the lower hinges 244 of FIG. 20 and the upperhinges 246 of FIG. 23. The solar PV roof deck 406 can be secured in thewheeled transportation carrier 410 by one or more removable holding bars418.

Referring to FIG. 40, in the second step 420, the solar PV roof deck 406of FIG. 43 is unfolded upward by providing an upward force on the edgesof the solar PV roof deck 406. Referring to FIG. 43, the transportationcarrier includes a plurality of telescoping arms 422. The telescopingarms 422 pivot from a position that is parallel to the front to backline of the wheeled transportation carrier 410 to approximately 90degrees from their original position. The wheeled transportation carrier410 can also includes telescoping arms 424 located at its front and therear.

The wheeled transportation carrier 410 includes pulleys on each of thetelescoping arms 422 and optionally on the telescoping arms 424 locatedat the front and the rear of the wheeled transportation carrier 410. Thecables can be actuated using cable winches or hydraulic rams. Thehydraulic ram can be electrically driven or can be driven by a gasolineor diesel motor. Alternatively, the cables can be driven by ahand-cranked or electric powered winch, hand driven hydraulic rams, orelectric winches. The hydraulic mechanism can be self-contained withinthe transportation carrier or provide as a separate power pack. Theupper hinges 416 of FIG. 42 are separated into hinge portions 426 byremoving a hinge pivot pin as described earlier in this disclosure.Pulley cables 428 extending from each telescoping arms 424 and connectto each hinge portion 426 as illustrated. The pulley cables 428 canattach to lifting hooks similar to the threaded lift hooks 308 of FIG.30. As the pulley is engaged, the pulley cable 428 shortens and appliesan upward force on the hinge portions 426. This has the affect ofpushing upward on the hinged fold of the solar PV roof deck 406.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 43, the support column 402 can beattached to a base plate 429 with the support column 402 in a horizontalposition. The base plate 429 can be attached to the concrete footer 412.Referring to FIG. 44, the support column 402 can be temporally joined tothe base plate 429 by a pivot 430 attached between the support column402 and the base plate 429. The base plate can be secured to theconcrete footer 412 by means previously disclosed for securing the baseplate 26 of FIG. 2 to a concrete footer. The pivot 430 allows the columnto be securely hoisted in place by a small crew of workers. Once thesupport column 402 is hoisted into a vertical position, it can be morefully secured to base plate 429. Referring to FIG. 45, the supportcolumn 402 can be attached to the base plate 429 of FIG. 44 using one ormore flange plates 434. The flange plate 434 can be secured to thecolumn by a threaded fastener 436 though and aperture 438 in the flangeplate 434. The bottom portion of the flange plate 434 can be securedeither directly to the concrete footer 412 or through the base plate 429of FIG. 44.

As an alternative to the pivoting structure just described, the supportcolumns can include an attached base similar in structure to the baseplate 26 of FIG. 2. The support columns can then be erected and securedin the same manner as described for the first support column 43 of FIG.2.

Referring again to FIG. 40, in the third step 440, the frame elementsare assembled under the solar PV roof deck 406 of FIG. 41. Referring toFIG. 46, the solar PV roof deck 406 is fully unfolded and held in placeby the pulley cables 428 attached to the hinge portions 426 attached tothe upper portion of the solar PV roof deck 406. The solar PV deck panelcan be further secured by attachments to the telescoping arms 424. Forexample, the pulley cables 428 for the telescoping arms 424 can beattached to lower hinges 413 located near each end of the fold of thesolar PV roof deck 406.

The beams 404 are secured to the support columns 402. FIG. 47illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the support column 402and two of the beams 404 joined to the support column 402. The supportcolumn 402 includes a convex portion 442, a plurality of projections 444extending outward with respect to the column vertical axis, and aright-angle mounting plate 446. The projections 444 are mounted atapproximately 90 degrees apart. The inside vertex of the right-anglemounting plate 446 is welded or otherwise fastened to the convex portion442 between two of the projections 444. This arrangement forms aparallel opening between each of the projections 444 and the right-anglemounting plate 446. The beam end 448 is illustrated secured to thesupport column 402 by a plurality of threaded fasteners 450. The upperportion of the beam 404 in includes an overhang 452 the projects beyondthe beam end 448.

FIG. 48 illustrates an alternative perspective view of FIG. 47illustrating the overhang 452 of the beam 404 extending through the topof the support column 402. The illustration is in partial cutaway inorder to illustrate the relationship between the beam end 448 and theoverhang 452. The top of the support column 402 is shaped in order toform a notched portion for supporting the overhang 452 and projectingthe overhang through the beam 404.

Referring back to FIG. 40, in the fourth step, 454 the solar PV roofdeck is secured to the frame assembly and the transportation carrier isremoved from the solar PV structure 400 of FIG. 41. Referring to FIG.49, the hinges are removed from the solar PV roof deck 406. A waterresistant sealant or water resistant gasket material can be placedbetween the unfolded deck portions, as previously described, in order toprevent leakage. The wheeled transportation carrier 410 is removed bypivoting the telescoping arms 422 parallel to the length of the wheeledtransportation carrier 410.

FIG. 50 illustrates an embodiment of a wheeled transportation carrier410 used to assemble a solar PV structure 400 of FIG. 41. Thetransportation carrier is shown in closed position ready for transport.Illustrated are the removable holding bars 418, the telescoping arms414, the telescoping arms 424 located at the front and the back end,wheels 456, a chassis 458, and pulley guides 460. The size of the wheelsis illustrative, for installation on soft ground or uneven terrain moreand larger wheel or pneumatic tires can be used in place of the wheels456. Wheel location and numbers may vary. Also some of the wheels may bedriven or motorized to assist positioning of the wheeled transportationcarrier 410 of FIG. 50. The telescoping arms include a pivot arm 462connected to a pivot point 464 near the mid-point of the chassis 458length. The pivot point can include a locking pivot so that the pivotarms 462 can be locked into place either in transport position or ininstallation position. The pivot arms 462 are illustrated 180 degrees inopposition. In an alternative embodiment, the pivot arms 462 are bothfacing the same end of the chassis 458.

FIG. 51 illustrates the wheeled transportation carrier 410 of FIG. 50configured for installing a solar PV structure. The telescoping arms 414are pivoted so that the pivot arms 462 are approximately 90 degrees withrespect to the length of the chassis 458. The telescoping arms 414 areprojected upward so that a solar PV roof deck can be lifted in anunfolded position above the height of a solar PV frame structure, suchas the solar power frame structure 406 of FIG. 41. The telescoping arms414 can be extended by a hand crank or hand lever, for example, using ahydraulic mechanism. Alternatively, the telescoping arm 414 can beextend by hand and held in place at a predetermined height by a holdingpin. For larger installations requiring heaver transportation carriers,the telescoping arms 414 can be extended using a hydraulic mechanismpowered electricity, gasoline, diesel, propane, or equivalents.Similarly, the telescoping arms 424 can be extended in a similar manner.

While the described transportation carrier can be used to aid in theinstallation of a solar PV structure 400 of FIG. 41, it is not theinventor's intent to limit the wheeled transportation carrier 410 ofFIG. 50 to only the illustrated structure. FIG. 52 illustrates the solarPV structure 10 of FIG. 1 adapted for installation with the wheeledtransportation carrier 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstsupport column 18, the second support column 20, the third supportcolumn 22, and the fourth support column 24, can be installed, forexample, in a manner previously described and illustrated in FIG. 2. Inaddition, the first beam 48, the third beam 52, the first end supportbracket 56, the second end support bracket 58, the third end supportbracket 60, and the fourth end support bracket 62 can be installed in amanner previously described in this disclosure.

The transportation carrier can be used to lift and hold into place thesolar PV roof deck 12 in a similar manner as described for the solar PVroof deck 406 of FIG. 41. The solar PV roof deck 406 is lifted by thepulley cables 428. The pulley cable 428 can be connected to the threadedlift hooks 308 of FIG. 23 that are secured to the hinge portion 290 ofthe upper hinge 246. Alternatively, the pulley cable 428 can beconnected to the aperture 294 of FIG. 23. As the cable length betweenthe top of the telescoping arm 424 and the hinge portion is shorted, anupward force is applied along each edge of the solar PV roof deck. Thishas the affect of creating an upward force along the hinge pivot linebetween the first panel section 248 and the second panel section 250.

After the solar PV roof deck 12 is fully unfolded above the partiallyassembled frame structure, the second beam 50, and the fourth beam 54can be installed and secured in place. The solar PV roof deck 12 can belowered on top of the assembled frame 348 by lowering the telescopingarms. The hinges can be removed and the solar PV roof deck structuresecured to the assembled frame 348 in a manner previously described. Thetransportation carrier can be folded for transportation and removed fromthe solar PV structure 10.

Larger solar PV structures with two or more solar PV roof decks and sixor more columns can be installed by repeating the above describedprocess for each solar PV deck and frame section. FIG. 53 illustratesthree of the frame sections 490, for a structure configured to receivetwo solar PV roof decks, and configured for installation by the wheeledtransportation carrier 410 of FIG. 51. Each section can be assembledusing the procedure described for FIG. 52. For solar energy structureswith additional solar PV roof decks, the frame sections 490 can besecured before installation of any of the solar PV roof decks 12.Alternatively, the first two of the frame sections 490 can be secured inplace, the solar PV roof deck 12 installed as described for FIG. 52, andeach additional of the frame section 490 added one at a time after thesolar PV roof deck 12 is installed.

A standalone or partially standalone solar PV structure, methods forassembling a solar PV structure, and apparatus to help facilitatedeployment and assembly of a solar PV structure have been described. Itis not the intent of this disclosure to limit the claimed invention tothe examples, variations, and exemplary embodiments described in thespecification. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variationswill occur when embodying the claimed invention in specificimplementations and environments. For example, it is possible toimplement certain features described in separate embodiments incombination within a single embodiment. Similarly, it is possible toimplement certain features described in single embodiments eitherseparately or in combination in multiple embodiments. It is the intentof the inventor that these variations fall within the scope of theclaimed invention. While the examples, exemplary embodiments, andvariations are helpful to those skilled in the art in understanding theclaimed invention, it should be understood that, the scope of theclaimed invention is defined solely by the following claims and theirequivalents.

1. A combination for supporting a standalone or partially-standalonesolar PV roof deck including: a beam including a beam end portion; thebeam end portion including a first aperture and an enclosed hollowchannel, together configured to pass one or more wires; the beam endportion including a hook and a tab extending away from the beam endportion, the hook and the tab forming a hook/tab pair; a column,including a column end portion forming a hollow conduit; the column endportion including a pair of slots along a vertical length of the columnend portion, the pair of slots receives the hook/tab pair and therebysecuring the beam to the column in a fixed and non-rotatable position;and a second aperture positioned along the vertical length of the columnend portion, the second aperture positioned and shaped to align with thefirst aperture for passing the one or more wires into the column endportion.
 2. The combination of claim 1 wherein, the beam end portion isseparately formed from the beam and secured to the beam.
 3. Thecombination of claim 2 wherein, the column end portion is a columncapital, secured to the column.
 4. The combination of claim 3, wherein:the column capital including a plurality of approximately verticalfaces, the plurality of approximately vertical faces forming the hollowconduit; and the pair of slots and the second aperture positioned alonga first face of the plurality of approximately vertical faces.
 5. Thecombination of claim 1 wherein, the column end portion is a columncapital, secured to the column.
 6. The combination of claim 5, wherein:the column capital including a plurality of approximately verticalfaces, the plurality of approximately vertical faces forming the hollowconduit; and the pair of slots and the second aperture positioned alonga first face of the plurality of approximately vertical faces.
 7. Acombination for supporting a standalone or partially-standalone solar PVroof deck including: a first end support bracket with a first upperbracket portion and a first lower bracket portion, the first lowerbracket portion including a first hook and a first tab extending awayfrom the first lower bracket portion, the first hook and the first tabforming a first hook/tab pair; a second end support bracket with asecond upper bracket portion and a second lower bracket portion, thesecond lower bracket portion including a second hook and a second tabextending away from the second lower bracket portion, the second hookand the second tab forming a second hook/tab pair; a first angle betweenthe first upper bracket portion and the first lower bracket portion is90 degrees−X; and a second angle between the second upper bracketportion and the second lower bracket portion is 90 degrees+X, where X>0degrees.
 8. The combination of claim 7, wherein: the first upper bracketportion includes a wire receiving aperture; and the second upper bracketportion includes a second wire receiving aperture.
 9. The combination ofclaim 7, further including: a first column, including a first column endportion forming a first hollow conduit; and the first column end portionincluding a first pair of slots along a first vertical length of thefirst column end portion, the first pair of slots receives the firsthook/tab pair and thereby securing the first upper bracket portion tothe first column in a fixed and non-rotatable downward sloping position.10. The combination of claim 9, further including: a second column,including a second column end portion forming a second hollow conduit;and the second column end portion including a second pair of slots alonga second vertical length of the second column end portion, the secondpair of slots receives the second hook/tab pair and thereby securing thesecond upper bracket portion to the second column in a fixed andnon-rotatable upward sloping position.
 11. A combination of claim 10,further including: a solar PV roof deck; and the first upper bracketportion and the second upper bracket portion are secured to opposingsides of the solar PV roof deck.